WEST ORANGE, NJ - The Winners of the Essex County Education Association (ECEA)  Essay Contest for 2022 have been announced, and several West Orange elementary and middle school students have been recognized.

Hazel Kindergarten student Lilou Melamed received Second Place (teacher Phyllis Seibert)

Redwood Second Grade student Stella Applegate received Second Place (teacher Jennifer Paull)

Washington Third Grade student Logan Granados received First Place (teacher Amy Jakimas)

Washington Fourth Grade student Abeimael Mervil received Second Place (teacher Nicole McArdle)

Mt. Pleasant Fifth Grade student James Howard received Second Place (teachers Diana Ferrera and Wendy Japaz)

Liberty Middle School Eighth Grade student Nailah Sanelus received First Place (teacher Michael Bridge)

The students received specific prompts depending on their grades and were asked to write their essays on those topics.

Kindergarten - "Every day I learn"

Grades One and Two: “I look forward to going to school because..." (50—150 words)

Grades Three and Four: "What is your favorite part of the school day or year?" (100-200 words)

Grades Five and Six: “Who is a person during your school years who has instilled pride in you?" (200 – 400 words) 

Grades Seven and Eight: “Why is it important to accept others for who they are? ” (300-500 words)

The essays were reviewed and graded by members of the ECEA.